Weird wet plaster/paint smell

[JamiePattison]

Our house is around 14 years old. I've noticed whenever it rains a mild odour of wet paint/plaster can be present in one room.

I've looked outside the room and I can't tell if there is anything that might need more attention but does anyone have any advise to what I may do to try and narrow this down a little further?

I've spoken to the builders and they confirm the property had a damp proof course and was signed off, speaking to local people they want £100 to come out so ideally I'm hoping I may be able to try something to see if there is anything that requires attention before calling a professional in?

Anyone got any ideas for me to try?

 

[Agent_zed]

Do you have a moisture meter? something like this https://www.toolstation.com/dryzone-moisture-meter/p35221 one reviewer stated they used it to find a damp patch in their ceiling. You could then take readings around the room to at least narrow down a potential source.

Aldi/Lidl occasionally do cheap moisture meters.

 

[Bingy man]

Are there any signs internally like a damp patch or peeling paint , or mildew etc . What about outside? Any areas that seem to take longer to dry out after rain or a damp morning. In the affected room what’s there water related - bath rooms , en suite, radiators and hot and cold supplies etc . Check the bottom of all radiators, valves and fittings for damp or drips of water. The same with the boiler if fitted upstairs, then move on to the basins, bath ) remove bath panel ) check all pipework and fittings including the waste . If nothing found do the same but with the basin running, then the bath and the toilets, shower etc one at time . If all is good then ( internally) you are left with the pipework under the floors which is obviously a lot more difficult to check for but not impossible. Moving back outside I’d start up high ( if possible) and a visual check of the roof , ridge line , and any valleys ( a pair of binoculars can help) then the gutters , downpipes , external drains etc - sounds a lot but the more you eliminate the better ..

 

[Stanleymonkey]

Above answer is very thorough. If you have a window cleaner - maybe ask him to clear the gutters next time he's there.

Has anything changed recently with neighbours? Any loft conversions, repairs. Maybe your gutters have been damaged or disconnected in the process? Window frames / seals around them.

Sometimes it's worth going out with a big umbrella next time it rains. Spot any overflowing gutters, or downpipes that are blocked and leaking from halfway up your wall.

 

[pip1954]

Is your house rendered on the outside if so are there any cracks you can see probably above where your room is

 

[XTiffy]

I'm afraid I would take anything a "builder" would tell me after building a house with a pinch of salt! The standard of too many in the construction industry is poor and there is no way that it is possible to be absolutely sure a brickie or others might take a short cut. Building inspectors can only see so much. The building regs. will now require photographic evidence of all of these areas.
As you only notice this after rain, I would suspect that something is bridgeing the DPC. Check that the ground level is at least two bricks below DPC. One other area which is often a problem is bridgeing of the cavity in the wall. I would agree with the advice to buy a moisture meter, they are really cheap and you do not need accurate readings only comparative levels.